Method of optimization in orthodontic applications

Abstract

A method, executed at least in part by a computer, acquires three-dimensional data from scans of maxillofacial and dental anatomy of a patient and computes cephalometric values from the acquired three-dimensional data. The method processes the computed cephalometric values and generates metrics indicative of tooth positioning along a dental arch of the patient. The generated metrics are analyzed to calculate desired movement vectors for individual teeth within the dental arch. The calculated desired movement vectors are displayed, stored, or transmitted.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 550,013 filed in the names of Shoupu Chen et al. on Aug. 25, 2017 and entitled “METHOD OF OPTIMIZATION IN ORTHODONTIC APPLICATIONS”, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to image processing in x-ray computed tomography and, more particularly, to biometrics analysis from 3-D images for guidance in orthodontic treatment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Cephalometric analysis is the study of the dental and skeletal relationships for the head and is used by dentists and orthodontists as an assessment and planning tool for improved treatment of a patient. Conventional cephalometric analysis identifies bony and soft tissue landmarks in 2-D cephalometric radiographs in order to diagnose facial features and abnormalities prior to treatment, or to evaluate the progress of trea...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021]Embodiments of the present disclosure, in a synergistic manner, integrate skills of a human operator of the system with computer capabilities for feature identification. This takes advantage of human skills of creativity, use of heuristics, flexibility, and judgment, and combines these with computer advantages, such as speed of computation, capability for exhaustive and accurate processing, and reporting and data access capabilities.

Problems solved by technology

For Class I, neutrocclusion, the molar relationship is normal but other teeth may have problems such as spacing, crowding, or over- or under-eruption.

Recent studies in orthodontics indicate that there are persistent inaccuracies and inconsistencies in results provided using conventional 2-D cephalometric analysis.

The sizable amount of measured and calculated data complicates the task of developing and maintaining a treatment plan and can increase the risks of human oversight and error.

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